ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Electronics & IT
MeitY launches pilot project on Electronics Repair Services Outsourcing 
ERSO to make India Global Repair Capital
Revenue potential from outsourced repair likely to be $20 billion in next 5 years
In line with the overall vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to make India a global electronics powerhouse, the Government launched the ERSO Pilot initiative today to validate certain transformational policy and process changes to make India the Repair Capital of the World.
Demonstrating true commitment to the growth of Industry, MeitY, CBIC, DGFT & MoEF&CC converged with industry to effect transformational policy and process changes that would make India the most attractive repair destination for ICT products globally. Over the next 5 years, India’s ERSO industry is likely to fetch India a upto $20 billion in revenue and also generate millions of jobs.
The project has been identified as a gamechanger for India and has been supported by the Government to make India a world leader in a hitherto untapped domain. The process and policy changes have been made possible due to the vision of Union Minister of Electronics & IT, Railways and Communications Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw and under the able guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
The policy and process changes required for ERSO have been introduced over the last few months by different departments of the Government after in-depth discussions with the Repair Industry and are being validated for their efficacy and efficiency through a limited pilot that has been launched. The pilot is being held in Bengaluru and will be run for a period of three months commencing today. Five companies, namely Flex, Lenovo, CTDI, R-Logic & Aforeserve have volunteered for the pilot. Post the pilot a detailed assessment will be carried out and modifications made in the process and policy as necessary.
In line with the clarion call of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to support Mission LiFE, the ERSO initiative will be a gamechanger for Global environmental sustainability and reiterates India’s commitment to the environment and our planet. It will enable extension of device life globally by providing cheap and reliable repair of ICT products for the globe.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Yuwaah Youth Skilling Initiative
UNICEF has informed that they have launched ‘YuWaah’ Generation Unlimited in India on 1.11.2019. According to UNICEF, Generation Unlimited, called YuWaah in India, is a multi-stakeholder alliance which aims to facilitate youth to gain relevant skills for productive lives and the future of work. The target age group of YuWaah includes adolescent girls and boys and its key mission is to promote access to foundational, transferable and 21stcentury skills for youth inside and outside formal education systems, which includes defining foundational skills, life skills and flexible learning and identifying and scaling impactful delivery models.
YuWaahintends to create platforms to guide youth to market opportunities  and facilitate integration of career guidance in school education.
This information was given by the Minister of Women and Child Development, Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
IREDA reports All-Time High Quarterly PAT of Rs. 295 Crores; Net NPAs down to 1.61%
Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. , a Mini Ratna  Government of India enterprise under the administrative control of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has achieved a remarkable milestone with an all-time high Quarterly Profit After Tax  of Rs. 295 crores and Profit Before Tax  of Rs. 440 crores in the 1st Quarter of the fiscal year 2023-24. This achievement marks a notable growth of 30% and 29% respectively, compared to the corresponding period of the previous financial year 2022-23. IREDA has also demonstrated a significant reduction in Net Non-Performing Assets , bringing them down to 1.61% in Q1, FY 2023-24 from 2.92% in Q1, FY 2022-23, representing a remarkable 45% reduction  on a year-on-year basis.
Commending the company's exceptional performance and consistent growth trajectory, the Board of Directors of IREDA, in a meeting held today, August 12, 2023, approved the Audited Financial Results for the 1st Quarter of the Financial Year 2023-24.
Over the previous year, IREDA's Loan Book has expanded from Rs. 32,679 crores as of 30th June, 2022, to Rs. 47,207 crores as of 30th June, 2023, showcasing a robust growth of 44%. During the 1st Quarter, the company achieved Loan Disbursement of Rs. 3,173 crores and a Total Income from Operations of Rs. 1,143 crores, demonstrating a substantial increase of 272% and 45% respectively, compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year, wherein Loan Disbursement was Rs. 852 crores and Total Income from Operations was Rs. 786 crores.
Noteworthy financial highlights for the first quarter of FY 2023-24, compared to the same period in FY 2022-23, include:
- Total Income from Operations: Rs. 1,143 crores as against Rs. 786 crores 
- Profit Before Tax: Rs. 440 crores as against Rs. 340 crores 
- Profit After Tax: Rs. 295 crores as against Rs. 226 crores 
- Loan Disbursement: Rs. 3,173 crores as against 852 crores 
- Loan Book: Rs. 47,207 crores as against Rs. 32,679 crores 
- Net-worth: Rs. 6,290 crores as against Rs. 5,514 crores 
- Net NPAs: 1.61% as against 2.92% 
- Gross NPAs: 3.08% as against 5.33% 
Shri Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director, IREDA, attributed the growth of the company to the trust and support of stakeholders. He expressed his gratitude towards Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy Shri R. K. Singh; Union Minister of State, New and Renewable Energy, Shri Bhagawanth Khuba; Secretary, MNRE and Board of Directors for their constant support and guidance, which he said has been instrumental in achieving the historic performance of IREDA. He has also commended the dedicated Team IREDA for their unwavering commitment and relentless efforts that have led to these historic financial results.
President's Secretariat
PRESS COMMUNIQUE
The President of India, as advised by the Prime Minister, has accepted the resignation of the following members of the Council of Ministers, with immediate effect :-
1. Shri D.V. Sadananda Gowda
2. Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad
3. Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot
4. Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’
5. Dr. Harsh Vardhan
6. Shri Prakash Javadekar
7. Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar
8. Shri Babul Supriyo
9. Shri Dhotre Sanjay Shamrao
10. Shri Rattan Lal Kataria
11. Shri Pratap Chandra Sarangi
12. Sushri Debasree Chaudhuri
Ministry of Education
Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development Shri Sanjay Dhotre launches Curriculum for Life Skills  designed by University Grants Commission 
Union Minister of State for Human Resource DevelopmentShri Sanjay Dhotre, launched the Curriculum for Life Skills  designed by University Grants Commission , in New Delhi today.
While speaking on the occasion, Shri Dhotre emphasized on development of life skills in every individual, as essential part of wholesome learning. He highlighted the problem of prevalent obsession with earning marks in different examinations. Such examination-driven education encourages narrow and selective reading and rote learning, which ultimately leads to deficit in actual learning. He added that in real life, one also needs to be skilled for coping with diverse situations that one may encounter in life. Highlighting the crucial importance of this new curriculum on life skills, he added that this initiative of UGC will surely lead to improvement in the collective efficiency of country’s young population.
In India, there is an unprecedented demand for quality higher education for producing employable, exceptionally performing graduates qualified with skills, knowledge and ethics essential for leading a rewarding life and it is with this aim University Grants Commission issued Quality Mandate and its objectives. Quality Mandate of UGC has been adopted in the National Conference of Vice – Chancellors and Directors on Research & Innovation held between 26th to 28th July, 2018 and Life Skills  for students is one of its verticals.
UGC constituted Expert Committee prepared a Curriculum for Life Skills  for Under Graduate Programme. The curriculum is designed to impart and strengthen the knowledge,skills and dispositions believed to be the best requisites of the current Industry and thereby empower the talent inherent in each learner. Life Skills like communication skill, interpersonal skill, time management, problem solving ability, decision making capacity, leadership ability and integrity play a crucial role in boosting the employability of the students.
Life skills  curriculum cover the set of human talents acquired by an individual via classroom learning or life experience that can help them to deal with problems encountered in day to day life. This includes the core skills each individual must possess internally as well as externally for the betterment of self and the society as a whole. Adoption of life skills is the key to success and quality in life.
Prime Minister's Office
Several decisions taken during the last 6 months empowered the lives of 130 crore Indians : PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said several decisions taken during the last 6 months have empowered the lives of 130 crore Indians. He said inspired by the motto of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’ and with the blessings of 130 crore Indians, the Government has continued working towards developing India and empowering the lives of 130 crore Indians with renewed vigour.
He said during the last six months, Government has taken numerous decisions that have furthered development, accelerated social empowerment and enhanced India’s unity. He also said, “We aspire to do even more in the times to come, so that we create a prosperous and progressive New India.”
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President cautions against forces that threaten nation’s peace and integrity
Says, ‘Not Indian culture to denigrate any religion or culture’
Responsibility of every citizen to thwart attempts to weaken India and guard the nation’s interests: VP
‘India’s parliamentary democracy and pluralistic values is a model for the world’: VP
VP releases book on the freedom fighter and journalist Shri Damaraju Pundarikakshudu
The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today cautioned against forces and vested interests that are threatening the nation’s peace and integrity through a divisive agenda. Stressing that it is ‘not Indian culture to denigrate any culture, religion or language’, he called upon every citizen to take responsibility to thwart such attempts to weaken India, unite and guard the nation’s interests.
The Vice President underscored that India’s civilisational values teaches respect and tolerance towards all cultures and sporadic incidents cannot undermine India’s secular ethos. Decrying attempts made to diminish India’s image on the international stage, Shri Naidu reiterated that India’s parliamentary democracy and pluralistic values are a model to emulate for the world.
Releasing a book on the life journey of freedom fighter and journalist Shri Damaraju Pundarikakshudu in Vijayawada today, Shri Naidu said that ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ gives us an opportunity to recall the many sacrifices made by our leaders and freedom fighters during the freedom struggle. Shri Naidu complimented Shri Yallapragada Mallikarjuna Rao, the author, for his efforts in research and compilation of the book.
Noting the great efforts of Shri Damaraju in popularising Gandhiji’s contributions through songs and drama, Shri Naidu called upon media houses to highlight the efforts of Indian freedom fighters through special programmes and series of articles to make the younger generations aware of our leaders’ life lessons.
The Vice President also called upon the youth to strive towards building an India free of poverty, illiteracy, social discrimination and atrocities against women as a ‘true tribute to our freedom fighters’ sacrifices’. He reminded that a ‘divide’ in society – between urban and rural areas, between social classes and between the genders – ultimately weakens the country.
Shri Naidu, recalling the various efforts of leaders from the region during the struggle for independence, appreciated the gesture of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi in recently unveiling the statue of the great freedom fighter, Shri Alluri Sitarama Raju in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh.
On this occasion, the Vice President also distributed certificates to the trainees of various skill development programmes in Swarna Bharat Trust, Vijayawada. He encouraged them to work hard in their chosen discipline and achieve success. Former Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Kamineni Srinivas, author of the book, Shri Yellapragada Mallikarjuna Rao, management of Swarna Bharat Trust, other dignitaries and students participated in the event.
Special Service and Features
Operation Kaveri- 117 of 1,191 passengers that have arrived so far, currently quarantined, free of charge, as they were not vaccinated against Yellow Fever
All passengers will be released after 7 days if they remain asymptomatic
In a significant development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is working in close collaboration with Ministry of External Affairs under ‘Operation Kaveri’. The Government of India is evacuating about 3,000 passengers of Indian Origin from Sudan. Necessary quarantine facilities are being arranged at transit junctures in mission mode for incoming passengers. A total 1,191 passengers have arrived so far, of which 117 passengers are currently quarantined because they were not vaccinated against Yellow Fever. All passengers will be released after 7 days if they remain asymptomatic.
These passengers are provided rent-free accommodation with free food facility in quarantine centers managed by Airport Health Officers s, and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at various hospitals across states holding a Memorandum of Understanding  as well as central government hospitals in Delhi such as Safdarjung Hospital. Arrangements have also been made at RHTC, Najafgarh ; NITR, Mehrauli  and Lady Hardinge Medical College .
The first batch of passengers arrived in Delhi with 360 passengers, none of whom required quarantine followed by second flight which arrived in Mumbai with 240 passengers on 26 April of which 14 were quarantined. Two were released after validation of their vaccination certificates. The remaining 12 will complete their quarantine period till today evening . The third flight arrived in Bengaluru afternoon yesterday with 360 passengers of which 47 passengers were initially quarantined. 3 were released today after verification of vaccination. The verification of five more passengers is in process. The fourth flight containing passengers arrived in Delhi yesterday evening with 231 passengers of which 61 were quarantined . 35 passengers are at Delhi APHO and 26 passengers are at Safdarjung Hospital. The fifth flight is expected to arrive in Delhi tonight with 367 passengers and an additional flight with 320 passengers is expected to arrive tomorrow morning at 10:30 am in Bengaluru.
The numbers of those quarantined will be dynamic as it is dependent on verification status of passengers’ passport number.
'Operation Kaveri' is a rescue operation launched by Government of India to evacuate Indian citizens who are stranded in Sudan. It was launched on April 24, 2023 in response to the crisis in Sudan. A team of officials including the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Air Force, and the Indian embassy in Sudan has been appointed by the Indians to ensure the proper process of evacuation gets followed. During the evacuation, Indians will be transferred from Sudan to the capital city of Khartoum where they will be flown back to India.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Forty-five Indian companies participate in SIAL Paris exhibition
Forty-five Indian companies are participating in the SIAL Paris exhibition – the largest international market place for food service professionals. Trade Promotion Council of India  has inaugurated a special Indian pavilion in the ongoing mega exhibition for the participating companies. SIAL Paris is the leading exhibition of food service products with more than 7020 French and international exhibitors from 109 countries displaying their foodstuffs, ranging from ingredients to processed products, including fresh produce.
Chairman TPCI, Mohit Singla, said that this exhibition is an ideal platform for the Indian participants to explore the business opportunities for trade, acquaint with new consumer trends, food innovations, food services, marketing tie-ups and joint ventures. He further stated that the interest being shown by buyers towards Indian products and companies in the ongoing exhibition will open up new vistas for co-operation between India and Europe.
The exhibition is one of the most important get-togethers of buyers and sellers interested in dairy products, meat, fresh fruits and vegetables, tinned and preserved foods, semi-processed food products, organic products, health products and food supplements, seafood, and ready-prepared dishes, pet and poultry products and equipment and services. Indian companies are getting good inquiries from the buyers who have converged from all over Europe.
SIAL Paris is held every two years, and is famous for culinary demonstrations by famous chefs every day. This unique culinary show stages SIAL Paris exhibitors’ products on the basis of current topics and trends: locavore cooking, fresh attitude, trends and textures, besides live cuisine lessons. Buyers throng this exhibition to discover fresh produce and raw supplies and Indian companies are making their mark felt through their products and cuisine.
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Education and PARAKH  organize the 1st National level workshop on assessment with States and UTs
PARAKH has been set up as the organisation under NCERT. It will work on bringing the school boards across the States and the Union Territories on a common platform. As a first step, a workshop on school assessments, examination practices and equivalence of boards across the country was organised by the Ministry of Education and PARAKH today in New Delhi. PARAKH will act as a common platform for interaction of all concerned stakeholders in order to develop a holistic approach that ensures a fair assessment system which promotes equity in performance and equivalence in assessment of students.
The workshop was chaired by Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy and attended by officials from Ministry of Education, CBSE, NCERT, NIOS, NCVET and NCTE. State Education Secretaries, State Project Directors School, SCERT and officials from State Examination Boards across India also attended the meeting.
While addressing the participants, Shri Sanjay Kumar emphasized the need for equivalence of boards. In India, currently there are around 60 school examination boards that are operating in different states/UTs. The aim is to establish a unified framework that enables seamless transitions for students moving between different boards or regions. This includes aligning curriculum standards, grading systems, and evaluation methodologies to enhance the credibility, recognition of certificates, and grades obtained across boards, he added.
The workshop focused on discussion on equivalence across educational boards. Multiple stakeholders were informed regarding the conception of PARAKH. The discussion revolved around the need to reassess the prevailing rote examination culture in our education system. There is a growing realization that holistic assessments, encompassing various dimensions of a student's abilities and potential, are equally important. Further, the discussion emphasized the need for well-designed and standardized question papers, ensuring fairness and consistency across schools and boards. Additionally, there is a call to strike a balance between formative and summative assessments, reducing the burden of high-stakes examinations while effectively measuring a student's progress. An analysis of examination results of secondary and higher secondary boards was also presented.
Ministry of Railways
UTS on Mobile Application is available in Hindi language now
To further ease booking experience of unreserved tickets
UTS Mobile application has 1.47 crore Registered users
As a Digital India initiative by Government of India and with a view to promote three C’s – Cashless transactions , Contact less ticketing  and Customer convenience and experience, UTS on Mobile app is now available in Hindi language apart from English. User can opt any one language of his/her choice. Using UTS On Mobile app, Users can choose between paperless or paper ticket mode and can book any type of tickets given below:-
-
Journey Ticket Booking
- Season Ticket Booking/Renewal
- Platform Ticket Booking
Benefits of Mobile Ticketing for customers
- No waiting in ticket queue.
- Paperless and environmental friendly.
- Once a ticket is booked the ticket can be shown to TTE even in offline mode without any internet connection.
- Booking on the run: - Passenger who is in hurry or makes a last minute decision to travel can just reach the station, Scan the QR code displayed at various places at the station. Scan it and book the ticket. This facility is presently available at 1600 stations.
- Fully Cashless: - The customer can use all types of digital payment options i.e. Rail - Wallet, Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI and E Wallets.
- Cheaper: - The customer who uses Rail-Wallet Facility are given 5% bonus on recharge. For example if a passenger recharges his Wallet for ₹1000, he gets the recharge value of ₹1050.
The Mobile Ticket application is fully developed in-house by Indian Railways  and is available across platforms – Android and iOS and can be downloaded free of cost from the respective stores. The application has been widely appreciated for its usability and customer experience and has got four star rating at Google Play Store. No of Registered users of UTS Mobile application are 1.47 crore.
Backgrounder –
Conventionally, Unreserved tickets were sold at the booking counters of Railway Stations. With a view to reduce waiting time of passengers at booking counters, Railway ticketing agents and automated ticket vending machines were introduced as additional points of sale at bigger stations. However physical presence of customer was required at all these three points of sale.
UTS mobile ticketing was launched on 27 December 2014 after that the system was rigorously tested on the parameters of safety, security and customer experience and later on proliferated over entire Mumbai Suburban. Gradually Mobile Ticketing was extended to the metro cities of Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Secunderabad between years 2015-17. From 1st Nov2018 onwards UTS Mobile Ticketing is available for inter zonal travel also i.e. between any pair of stations over entire Indian Railway on the pattern of normal ticketing.